This Week in Watches: October 24, 2020, The Halloween Edition
Happy Halloween! Welcome to the latest edition of This Week In Watches. We’ve not had a huge amount of new releases trickle into our inboxes, but there have been a few tasty ones. To be honest, I’m glad we’ve not seen a surge of cheesy, Halloween-themed watches (but there’s always one) — ain’t nobody got time for that…
Breitling Chronomat 36 & 32 for women
It was only a matter of time. The re-introduced Breitling Chronomat unveiled in Spring has now sprung into a full-blown collection in a variety of sizes. However, instead of upsizing from the base 42mm case, Breitling has taken things down a notch. To cater to those who prefer a smaller diameter and appreciate the ‘80s aesthetic, the Chronomat is now available in 36mm or 32mm. With that, is also a reduction in complication by only focusing on the time and date. We have seen this previously with the Navitimer 35 for women that eschewed the pesky chronograph pushers for something more elegant.
…little extra wrist bling…
Along with the choice of sizes, there are an array of metal cases on offer, too: stainless steel, two-tone bimetal, or luxurious 18k red gold. Those of you craving a little extra wrist bling can opt for diamond-set bezels and indexes.
I really like the new Chronomat series in general, and I think the Rouleaux bracelet looks fantastic. Is it Halloween-themed? No. Do I care? No. It’s only fair that the women’s range got to have some of the Chronomat love too. Prices for the 32mm start from €3,600, and the 36mm from €4,400. Find out more information here.
Brellum Pilot Power Gauge Chronometer
Brellum has launched its newest model to the Pilot series. Previously only available in black DLC and matching black dial, we now see the brand introduce new dial colors in a non-coated steel case. The new Brellum Pilot Power Gauge is available with blue, silver, or black dials and features a stunning sunburst pattern.
…a very premium and classy-looking watch.
Powering this Pilot Power Gauge Chronometer is a modified Valjoux 7750 movement, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC. The dial indexes and hands are rhodium coated, and this contributes to a very premium and classy-looking watch.
I’ve long been a fan of Brellum and their designs. Many brands have done the three-register pilot’s chronograph many times. Still, Brellum always manages to design something which has its own character and keeps it looking smart and sophisticated. The new Brellum Pilot Power Gauge Chronometer is priced from CHF 3,110. Find out more information here.
Bremont Broadsword Bronze
This week has seen Bremont introduce their newest additions to the Broadsword family. The use of bronze is a tip of the hat to the material’s importance in naval engineering due to its high corrosion resistance to saltwater. The new Broadsword case is made of CuSn8 bronze, a strengthened copper alloy with 8% tin. The high tin content adds to the strength, wear, and resistance to corrosion.
…no two watches will ever look the same.
The new bronze editions will be available in three different colored dial and strap variations, complementing the existing range. The ‘sotek’ (a military green/teal color), ‘slate’ and ‘tobacco’ dials feature a seconds sub-dial at six o’clock as well as a generous application of luminous paint on both the dial and hands. As a ‘living’ metal, each model will develop its unique patina over time, meaning no two watches will ever look the same. I like the dial colors, they’re certainly autumnal if not a little, Halloween-esque. Just me?
I have only recently been a convert to the bronze-watch thing. This iteration of the Broadsword is certainly one of the nicer-looking examples I’ve seen lately. If I didn’t have my eye on a different bronze watch, this would certainly be high up on my list! The new Bremont Broadsword Bronze is priced from £2,995. Find out more information here.
ArtyA Son of Art: Burning Spider (unique piece)
Finally, something a little scary. With it being Halloween today, that seems fitting. But when I say scary, I mean, this is grotesque and not a watch I would ever consider wearing, let alone buying. As a rule, I try not to let my emotions influence my writing too much. I try to be as objective as possible, as watch design is subjective. However, the Son of Art: Burning Spider from ArtyA finds me breaking that rule.
The world doesn’t need more than one of these watches.
It is a unique piece. For me, I must say this is a good thing. I’m not sure the world needs more than one of these watches. I’m sure there’s a collector out there who will enjoy this watch and its design as, after all, preference is a subjective matter. But, I struggle to see the appeal in this watch personally. The bezel is made from steel, which has been struck by lightning. To my eyes, it just looks like a factory second — a mistake. Considering the spider and web motifs are a lot neater and more cleanly-finished, it just seems out of place. Generally, I like the stuff coming out of the Artya atelier, but this one is not what I keep going back to that brand for. Give me the clean lines of the Son of a Gun, please…
The new ArtyA Son of Art: Burning Spider is priced at CHF 6,900. The price isn’t unreasonable for a unique piece from an independent watch brand these days. If you are the one person who sees this as the watch that is missing from your collection, you can find more information here.
And that’s it for this week’s roundup. I’d be interested in hearing from you on what you think of the new launches mentioned here, particularly the last watch on the list. Do you like it or hate it? Let me know in the comments!
